This is my first diary, not because I haven't had any ideas to write about, but rather because Dkos is just too fast for me, you all always beat me to it. In fact this idea has probably been discussed but it's vague enough and important enough to warrant repeating.
I'm as happy as the rest of you about our substantial lead in the polls (8% according to CNN's poll of polls). I want to look forward to 4 years without rebublican control, 4 years with actual solutions, and 4 years with a far reaching progressive agenda as much as anyone. All I'm saying is that it hasn't happened yet.
Calm down, take a deep breath. We still have almost a month to go and only an 8% lead. One major gaffe, one succesful attack add, one national security crisis, or even the legendary Bradeley effect could erase all of that.
So really it's pretty simple. Stay focused and don't blink. We're on the home stretch but if we stop running now there's a catcher waiting with the ball in his glove to tag us out. Stay out on the streets knocking on doors or stay inside making calls. We've done great so far and let's keep it up.
Some of you (not many I think) may disagree with me. You may argue that his lead is insurmountable and we just need to coast in to Nov 4. If you truly believe that then work towards a popular mandate. I want to be able to really accomplish something these next 4 years and a huge majority in the election will definitely help to get us part of the way there.
Even if all of this doesn't convince you, there is still a lot to be done. Doubtless wherever you live there is a Senatorial or Congressional candidate somewhere nearby who needs your help. For me it's Judy Feder, the first candidate who has a legitimate chance of finally beating the perpetual incumbent Frank Wolf. I'll help out Mark Warner too but I figure a 26% lead gives me reason to focus most of my attention on Obama and Feder.
My final point is that even if we win the presidency by a huge margin, even if we get a filibuster proof majority in the Senate and extend our margin in the House, and even if the entire country falls in line behind us we still won't be done. As many of you at Dkos recognize, politics is not a once every four years game for a single candidate, it's an on-going struggle for an ideal. Work in the Non-Governmental sector never sleeps and policy debates never stop. We will have to fight a persistent minority every step of the way and even in success there will still be endless goals remaining unatained. So don't forget our goal is not power for an individual but rather equality and opportunity for all and most of all never stop fighting.
I know it's a pretty short diary and insubstantial, but like I said above it was my first (I lost my diary virginity) so go easy okay.